A SUMMER of live open air music and theatre events will be taking place at Kingston Lacy, near Wimborne from this Sunday. There will be a series of musical ensembles performing every Sunday afternoon from June 16 to July 14 and three open air theatre productions planned later this summer.

The live event programme kicks off in style on Father’s Day with an afternoon of live music by popular jazz and blues trio FB Pocket Orchestra. The entertainment continues each Sunday until July 14 with different musical ensembles taking to the lawn, including Christchurch and Highcliffe Brass Band and classical guitarist Michael Hulmes.

These events do not require tickets and are free for National Trust members.

Highlights include the internationally acclaimed theatre company Illyria on Thursday, July 25 with their production of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.

On Thursday, August 1 The Lord Chamberlain’s Men will perform Shakespeare’s intoxicating tale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This supernatural comedy of mischievous fairies, confused lovers and rude mechanicals is an intoxicating tale of clarity found from chaos as tangled love gives way to happily ever-afters.

Finally, on Thursday August 8, Boxtree Productions perform family favourite, The Legend of King Arthur.

Gabby Hyman, visitor experience manager at Kingston Lacy, said: “We are delighted to see the return of these well-loved theatre companies following their sell-out performances last year. They all promise a fantastic evening’s entertainment in a unique setting and, of course, the chance to enjoy Kingston Lacy in the evening when the property is not normally open to visitors. We are encouraging audiences to bring a picnic, relax and soak up the atmosphere. There are discounted ticket prices for all tickets purchased before the day of the event.”

All theatre performances start at 7pm, gates open at 6pm. Tickets range between £8 – £18. Find out more online at nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy or phone 0344 249 1895.